I was flitting between Marcus and Jays' matches after watching mainly Harriets and Freya Christie[first set]. 

 

I watched the second half of the second set [Jay was 3-2 down when I arrived]. I enjoyed the rest of the match -both serves were not really threatened and both players hit some excellent shots as well as some not quite that standard. Then Jay played steadily and well in the tiebreak and de Minaur didn't[gifting a couple of free points early on]. A superb win for Jay-well done to him. The first time I've seen him live-created a fine impression

 

It was surprisingly the first time I've seen Marcus live too. He looks as if he could do with shedding a bit of timber but was a real crowd pleaser with many of his deft shots and chit chat. it was 3-3 in the second set when I arrived and,after seeing the end of Jay's match, it was 4-3[with a break] in the third when I returned. The spectators really seemed to take  to him  and his crowd pleasing entertainment. There were quite a few having photos and selfies with him after the match finished.  

DavidC wrote:

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Thanks hoots (and for the report on Harriet/Freya's matches) - always good to read first hand reports. Alex De Minaur is the latest Aussie to make waves on the Pro Circuit while still a junior

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Saw De Minaur play a futures in Murcia about 18 months ago.  Unbelievable all court talent for such a young age.  Not afraid to get to the net and very athletic.  This was a highly impressive win by Jay today, although somebody mentioned he now has a 5-0 H2H against De Minaur, so perhaps not too much of a surprise after all.

It is really exciting that their is so much young talent breaking through, even more exciting Jay has beaten the highly trumpeted (and ranked JCH) latest Australian prodigy. It reminds me a little of Kyles battles as a 17 year old with Gian Luca Quinzi then 15 highly ranked and trumpeted and still playing at Ilkley! Jay's progress has been steady, similar to Kyles, lovely to see the green shoots of success poking through at challenger level.

Jay on court now.

I was going to go on Saturday, went to book tickets - sold out! Can't believe it.

Any forumites got a spare?!

Nix wrote:

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That's a shame, Jaffa. Looks like there's hardly anyone there watching Jay's match. Was thinking of tweeting the folk of Ilkley to get down and support him. 3-2 and 0-30 up atm.

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There were more people watching the FQR futures match in Palma del Rio than there are at the Challenger match involving a Brit in Ilkley.  Is that down to lack of marketing, or just the difference in popularity of tennis between Spain and the UK.

Remarkable backhand lob from Jay on the run there.

Jays career earnings are almost exactly 1per cent of today's opponent.

Holding his own at 4-4 first set.

Yes Bob that was a cracking lob that Andy Murray would have been pleased with. Takes first set. Well done Jay